Calculator
Total Cost of Vehicle Ownership Calculator
See the full cost of owning a vehicle — depreciation, fuel, insurance, and maintenance — not just the sticker price.
1. Your inputs
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2. Your results
Total cost of ownership
$38,214
$7,643/yr · $0.64/mile
Depreciation
$19,000
Fuel total
$7,714
Insurance total
$8,000
Maintenance total
$3,500
Resale after 5yr
$19,000
Cost/mile
$0.64
Annual cost breakdown
Where the money goes
$38,214
TCO
- Depreciation50%
$19,000
- Fuel20%
$7,714
- Insurance21%
$8,000
- Maintenance9%
$3,500
What does this mean?
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In plain English
Owning this vehicle for 5 years will cost roughly $38,214 total — about $7,643/year or $0.64/mile.
Depreciation is usually the largest single cost: $19,000 here. Fuel is second at $7,714.
Holding a vehicle longer dilutes depreciation across more years — the cheapest car per year is often the one you already own.
Assumptions used
The math relies on these assumptions. Real-world numbers can vary.
- Depreciation applied on a straight-line basis (real depreciation front-loads).
- All costs stay constant year-over-year (inflation not modeled).
- Financing costs are not included — pair with the Vehicle Payment calculator.
- Fuel cost assumes stable gas price and MPG.
- Insurance + maintenance figures are annual averages.
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Frequently asked
What is TCO?
Total Cost of Ownership — the sum of every dollar a vehicle costs you over your ownership period, not just the sticker price.
What's the biggest hidden cost?
Depreciation. A new car typically loses 20–30% in the first year alone. Over 5 years, most vehicles lose about half their value.
How do I estimate maintenance?
A rough guide: $500/yr for a new car, $800–$1,500/yr for cars 5+ years old, $2,000+/yr for European luxury vehicles.
Is buying used always cheaper?
Usually yes — you skip the biggest depreciation year. A 2–3 year old car of a reliable make is a common sweet spot.
Should I lease instead?
Leasing removes the depreciation risk but generally costs more over 10 years. Best for people who upgrade every 3 years anyway.
About the Total Cost of Vehicle Ownership Calculator
A car's real cost is nothing like its sticker price. Fuel, insurance, and depreciation typically add 50–100% to the purchase price over 5 years of ownership.
The biggest lever most buyers miss is depreciation. Buying a 2–3 year old vehicle from a reliable model line often cuts total cost of ownership by 20–40% over a decade.
Use this calculator alongside the Vehicle Payment calculator to see both financing and long-term ownership costs at once.
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These calculators are for education only and are not a substitute for personalized advice from a licensed professional. Read our full disclaimer.